More than $127 million approved for Port of Los Angeles construction

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved construction contracts totaling more than $127 million for two major projects that advance modernization of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant, TraPac, Inc.

With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the Port of Los Angeles' overall capital improvement program. The port is investing more than $1.2 billion throughout the next five years.

"Redevelopment of the TraPac terminal reflects the port's larger commitment to retaining its global position as America's premier seaport," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz. "It also reflects our commitment to job creation and sustainable growth as the pathway to long-term prosperity."

On November 1, both contracts were awarded to California construction firms. Combined, the projects will support nearly 1,000 one-year equivalent construction jobs throughout the next two and half years in the greater Los Angeles five-county region. Both winning bids also exceed requirements for participation of small and very small business suppliers and subcontractors.

The first contract, a $71.5-million project for new buildings and truck entrance and exit gates at TraPac's rear Berths 136-139, was awarded to S. J. Amoroso Construction Co., Inc. The work includes a new administration building designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard, a new yard operations building, truck scales and a pedestrian bridge.

The facilities project, which also includes backland and other infrastructure improvements at Berths 145-147, will support approximately 540 direct one-year equivalent construction jobs. The work is due to be completed in the summer of 2015.

The second contract is a $55.7-million grade-separation project awarded to MCM Construction, Inc. The South Wilmington Grade Separation involves building an elevated 4,100-ft. roadway that links Harry Bridges Boulevard, Pier A Street and Fries Avenue to TraPac's new entrance and separates truck from rail operations for safer and more efficient flow of traffic.

The large-scale grade-separation project will support approximately 437 direct one-year equivalent construction jobs. The work is due to be completed in the spring of 2015.

Both projects are part of a $365-million expansion of the TraPac terminal due to be completed in 2016.